How to Prepare Your Mix for Mastering: Checklist + Common Pitfalls

Chunky
Oct 27
3 min read

Updated: Dec 2

You’ve finished your mix — the vocals sit nicely, the drums hit hard, and the vibe feels right. But before you send it off for mastering, there’s one more crucial step: preparing your mix properly.

How you export and deliver your track has a direct impact on the final master. Think of it like sending your song to a mechanic. If the engine is missing a few bolts, even the best mechanic can only do so much.

This guide will give you a step-by-step checklist for preparing your mix for mastering and highlight common pitfalls to avoid.

✅ The Mix Prep Checklist

1. Export in the Correct Format

Use WAV or AIFF files (never MP3).
Export at your project’s native sample rate (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, etc.).
Stick to 24-bit or 32-bit float for best resolution.

2. Leave Headroom

Aim for -3 to -6 dBFS of headroom.
Don’t push your mix to the loudest point. The mastering engineer needs space to work.

3. Remove Mix Bus Processing (Sometimes)

Avoid putting limiters, maximizers, or final “mastering” plugins on your master bus.
Bus compression or EQ for tone shaping is okay, but make sure you can provide a version without it if requested.

4. Check Your Dynamics

A mix that’s already brickwalled has no life left for mastering.
Keep your peaks and dynamics intact. Mastering is where the final loudness comes in.

5. Label Files Clearly

Use a naming system like: ArtistName_SongTitle_MixDate.wav.
If you’re sending multiple versions (e.g., vocal up, instrumental), label each clearly.

6. Provide Notes (Optional but Helpful)

Share references: “I want this to feel like X track by Y artist.”
Mention any concerns: “Snare might be a touch loud,” or “We weren’t sure about the low-end balance.”

🚫 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Exporting MP3s → They discard audio information and tie the engineer’s hands.
Clipping the mix → Pushing everything to 0 dBFS creates distortion that can’t be undone (unless stylistically appropriate).
Forgetting tails → Cut-offs on reverb/delay tails ruin the flow of your track. Always leave a couple of seconds of space at the end.
Incorrect sample rates → Don’t upsample a 44.1 kHz session to 96 kHz. It doesn’t add quality, just unnecessary file size.
Too many versions → Don’t send 10 “maybe mixes.” Pick your final, best version.

Why Prep?

A well-prepared mix allows the mastering engineer to:

Preserve your dynamics.
Add clarity and depth.
Adjust loudness for streaming, vinyl, and radio without distortion.
Focus on enhancing your music rather than fixing problems.

When prep is done right, mastering becomes a creative polish — not damage control.

The Importance of Mastering

Mastering is the final step in the music production process. It ensures your track sounds its best on all platforms. Whether it’s streaming, vinyl, or radio, mastering is where your music gets its final shine.

When you prepare your mix properly, you set the stage for a successful mastering session. It’s like laying a solid foundation for a house. Without it, everything else can crumble.

Free Download: Mix Prep Checklist

Want a quick reference? Download the free checklist to keep in your studio. Print it, pin it on your wall, or keep it on your desktop before every session.

Ready to Master Your Track?

I offer analog/digital hybrid mastering designed for streaming, vinyl, and Atmos formats. If you’ve got a finished mix that’s ready for its final polish, send it through and let’s get your release mastered.

Mastering is not just a technical process; it’s an art. It’s where your music transforms into its best version. So, take the time to prepare your mix well. It’s the difference between a good track and a great one.